Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was named as a finalist for the Hank Aaron award on Monday.
The award honors the most outstanding offensive player in each league and differs from the Most Valuable Player award. Stanton is considered a contender for the MVP award as well, with those results yet to be announced. Fans can vote for the Hank Aaron award and a panel of Hall of Famers will also take part in the process.
Stanton led all of baseball with 59 home runs, to go along with 132 runs batted in. Those totals were both franchise records and were aided by a tremendous second half. Stanton captivated audiences nationwide as he chased baseball immortality and kept Miami in the playoff hunt.
Stanton took home the award in 2014 and he could be a favorite for a repeat performance this time around. While the MVP award often goes to a member of a playoff team, this honor could go to any of the finalists. There are a number of worthy contenders for the award, but Stanton's numbers dwarf some of the challengers.
Major League Baseball will announce the two league winners during the upcoming 2017 World Series. Aaron, the Hall of Famer and long-time home run champion is expected to be in attendance for the presentation of the award.
With CEO Derek Jeter expected to make changes to the roster, it remains to be seen if Stanton will take another swing in a Marlins jersey. An off-season of honors could give Miami a last glimpse of the slugger before he heads elsewhere.
Fans are able to vote for the Hank Aaron award at MLB.com.
